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Love Me
Jacey Whittaker couldn’t remember a time when she hadn’t loved Scott Pendleton, the boy next door. She couldn’t remember a time when Scott hadn’t been in her life—in her heart. Yet Scott was every other girl’s dream too. How could Jacey possibly hope to win such a prize—the attention, the affections, the very heart of such a sought-after young man? Yet win him she did! He became the bliss of life—at least for a time. Still, some dreams live fulfilled—and some are lost. Loss changes the very soul of a person. Jacey wondered whether her soul would ever rebound. Certainly she went on, lived a happy life—if not so full and perfectly happy a life as she once lived. Yet she feared she would never recover—never get over Scott Pendleton—her first love. Until the day a man walked into her apartment—into her apartment and into her heart. Would this man be the one to heal her broken heart? Would he be her one true love? Until the day a man walked into her apartment—into her apartment and into her heart. Would this man be the one to heal her broken heart? Would this man be her one true love?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
33 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
74 books1,364 followersBorn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 10, 2009
Okay. I figure it's about time I sit down and write an actual review for all these Marcia Lynn McClure books I've been reading. I actually read my first book of hers years ago when I found it hidden away in Lisa's bedroom. I've since read most of them and I have to tell you what I like, and don't like, about these books.
The Good:
- The author is a "clean romance" author meaning there is no sex in her books. I LOVE and ADMIRE this about her. Her main characters always have excellent morals and it's nice to know you won't ever have to put one of her books down and not finish it because you've been offended.
- Her kissing scenes make you giddy. Giddier than if you just watched a really good kissing scene in your favorite movie. You'll read the scene and think "Hm. I wish I could get kissed like that all the time...".
- She puts plenty of kissing scenes/romance in her book. You never have to plod through a long, boring book only to be rewarded with a little kiss at the end. She keeps things romantic throughout the whole book.
- They are easy reads. I call them "quick fix/guilty (but not too guilty) pleasure books". I enjoy the classics and thought provoking books, but every once in a while I really like to have a relaxing book that I don't have to think too much about. I guess my brain needs a rest every once in a while.
- Her depiction of love and pain are often dead-on. Like in "Love Me", I felt and relived the absolute agony and euphoria of my high school "love" all over again.
The Bad:
- Her books are very predictable. In fact, many of them are the exact same scene/situation just different character names.
- The language is repetitive (and sometimes too flowery for me). I guess when you've written 20-30 romance novels it would be difficult to find that many different ways to describe the same emotion, but again - fairly predictable. More unfortunate than predictability, is that you sometimes feel that if you read one, you've read them all.
- Her heroines (though not all of them) often lack backbone. I find myself thinking "Come on already!" when I read these books. The women in them are always thinking of how they could never deserve the man of their dreams, even when he is throwing himself at their feet. They are always so timid to reach out and take him!
- The men in her novels ALWAYS - WITHOUT FAIL end up taking their shirt off in front of the heroine and every last one of them is sculpted like a Greek God (hm - maybe this should be under "The Good" section....). Honestly though, it just goes back to predictability.
- Bring the wine, because there's a lot of cheese. Sometimes it's giggly, sometimes it's beyond unrealistic. I think most women would laugh out loud at some of the things her heroes come up with to say.
In conclusion (and I know some of my dear friends are ready to string me up from the nearest tree) I have to admit that for the most part, I really like her books! They are light, romantic and fun - she accomplishes what she sets out to accomplish. As she said about "Love Me" - "I hope it made you smile and feel youthful - that Harbine pulled a giggle out of you - that Scott Pendleton made you sigh - that you felt Jacey's euphoric joy...and that when you tossed the book onto the pile of books by the side of your bed - you just felt a bit better about your day!". I admit, I did.
I think you should give her books a try. My only suggestion to you would be that you take a break in between books or they all start to run together and lose a bit of the magic.
But, when you're in that "Romantic/Comedy/Feel-Good/Sweep-You-Off-Your-Feet" mood, these are the books to pick up.
The Good:
- The author is a "clean romance" author meaning there is no sex in her books. I LOVE and ADMIRE this about her. Her main characters always have excellent morals and it's nice to know you won't ever have to put one of her books down and not finish it because you've been offended.
- Her kissing scenes make you giddy. Giddier than if you just watched a really good kissing scene in your favorite movie. You'll read the scene and think "Hm. I wish I could get kissed like that all the time...".
- She puts plenty of kissing scenes/romance in her book. You never have to plod through a long, boring book only to be rewarded with a little kiss at the end. She keeps things romantic throughout the whole book.
- They are easy reads. I call them "quick fix/guilty (but not too guilty) pleasure books". I enjoy the classics and thought provoking books, but every once in a while I really like to have a relaxing book that I don't have to think too much about. I guess my brain needs a rest every once in a while.
- Her depiction of love and pain are often dead-on. Like in "Love Me", I felt and relived the absolute agony and euphoria of my high school "love" all over again.
The Bad:
- Her books are very predictable. In fact, many of them are the exact same scene/situation just different character names.
- The language is repetitive (and sometimes too flowery for me). I guess when you've written 20-30 romance novels it would be difficult to find that many different ways to describe the same emotion, but again - fairly predictable. More unfortunate than predictability, is that you sometimes feel that if you read one, you've read them all.
- Her heroines (though not all of them) often lack backbone. I find myself thinking "Come on already!" when I read these books. The women in them are always thinking of how they could never deserve the man of their dreams, even when he is throwing himself at their feet. They are always so timid to reach out and take him!
- The men in her novels ALWAYS - WITHOUT FAIL end up taking their shirt off in front of the heroine and every last one of them is sculpted like a Greek God (hm - maybe this should be under "The Good" section....). Honestly though, it just goes back to predictability.
- Bring the wine, because there's a lot of cheese. Sometimes it's giggly, sometimes it's beyond unrealistic. I think most women would laugh out loud at some of the things her heroes come up with to say.
In conclusion (and I know some of my dear friends are ready to string me up from the nearest tree) I have to admit that for the most part, I really like her books! They are light, romantic and fun - she accomplishes what she sets out to accomplish. As she said about "Love Me" - "I hope it made you smile and feel youthful - that Harbine pulled a giggle out of you - that Scott Pendleton made you sigh - that you felt Jacey's euphoric joy...and that when you tossed the book onto the pile of books by the side of your bed - you just felt a bit better about your day!". I admit, I did.
I think you should give her books a try. My only suggestion to you would be that you take a break in between books or they all start to run together and lose a bit of the magic.
But, when you're in that "Romantic/Comedy/Feel-Good/Sweep-You-Off-Your-Feet" mood, these are the books to pick up.
March 6, 2022
I quit at a third in. None of this is working for me. I mean, name me an eight year-old who hangs out with a six year-old as best friends? Or, lets get creepy, a fourteen year-old who's thinking, explicitly, that he's going to wait until his twelve year-old best friend is sixteen because then she'll be old enough to be his girlfriend. This is not endearing! Also, a guy who waits that long isn't going to wait an extra two months for no reason whatsoever. It's weird and creepy.
And then Jacey is wallowing in missing Scott, who apparently blew her off when he went to college. Four years ago. And she's still weeping over the creep. This is needs-therapy broken. And she has enlisted all of her little friends in her pity parties so they wallow with her. It's immature, unhealthy, and beyond sad.
And then he shows up again and her friend asks "if he wanted you back would you?" And she says yes! Seriously? Get some standards, honey, because this is doormat emotional dependence. And I stopped respecting everybody at this point.
And it isn't helping that all her friends are kind of a chirpy unit around her rather than actual people. Like, the kid who worships Scott for no reason at all. That's just weird. And how problematic is an "indentured servant" auction that puts a woman in a guy's private space for three days at his beck and call. But it's okay because "no hanky-panky" is allowed. And requiring someone to wear a French maid outfit and high heels to clean his mangy apartment is okay? Cute, even? Ick to the ickty ickst degree.
At least now I understand why the title isn't "Respect Me". Because that's not going to be a thing in this story...
And then Jacey is wallowing in missing Scott, who apparently blew her off when he went to college. Four years ago. And she's still weeping over the creep. This is needs-therapy broken. And she has enlisted all of her little friends in her pity parties so they wallow with her. It's immature, unhealthy, and beyond sad.
And then he shows up again and her friend asks "if he wanted you back would you?" And she says yes! Seriously? Get some standards, honey, because this is doormat emotional dependence. And I stopped respecting everybody at this point.
And it isn't helping that all her friends are kind of a chirpy unit around her rather than actual people. Like, the kid who worships Scott for no reason at all. That's just weird. And how problematic is an "indentured servant" auction that puts a woman in a guy's private space for three days at his beck and call. But it's okay because "no hanky-panky" is allowed. And requiring someone to wear a French maid outfit and high heels to clean his mangy apartment is okay? Cute, even? Ick to the ickty ickst degree.
At least now I understand why the title isn't "Respect Me". Because that's not going to be a thing in this story...
January 1, 2012
I stayed up until 2:30am finishing this book that I started yesterday, I simple couldn't put it down it was so good. I had to find out what happened to Jaycey. I think this book I cried reading more than any of Marcia's other books. This story was so relatable we all have our first love's. This story takes a twist and turn that I had not expected, Marcia can keep one turning pages like crazy. Another must read by Marcia!
May 14, 2021
My good friend Katie and I were of course discussing books one day and decided it'd be fun to do a buddy read of this one again.
It's a sweet story about high school sweethearts who were separated and then reunited four years later. They both still had feeling for each other, but had to learn to trust again. I did wonder why Scott didn't tell her the truth when he broke up with her in high school, but I guess when you're young like that you don't always think things through or handle them the best way possible. I did love the meanings behind his jersey numbers, so romantic! Overall, a fun story with likable characters and a great HEA!
(Casting by the best book caster around, KJ from KJs Book Nook)
It's a sweet story about high school sweethearts who were separated and then reunited four years later. They both still had feeling for each other, but had to learn to trust again. I did wonder why Scott didn't tell her the truth when he broke up with her in high school, but I guess when you're young like that you don't always think things through or handle them the best way possible. I did love the meanings behind his jersey numbers, so romantic! Overall, a fun story with likable characters and a great HEA!
(Casting by the best book caster around, KJ from KJs Book Nook)
May 16, 2021
Ms. McClure’s dedication reads, “To First Love… The one we all experienced, The one we learned from, The one we never completely get over.” While this doesn’t ring true for me on a personal level, it’s a very romantic dedication… the things stories are made of. Upon re-reading it, it can be perceived that this is very possibly going to be a love lost (and found) story between two mutual first loves.
Love Me (2008) was independently published by Marcia Lynn McClure, and is a contemporary romance, mostly set in at an unnamed college in an unspecified location. I gave this book a try because my Goodreads friend (Kathy * Bookworm Nation) recommended it as a favorite clean (chaste) read. I borrowed this book via the Kindle Lending Library, which has morphed into today's Amazon Prime Reading.
Rating: 4 stars
The heroine: The book opens with sixteen-year-old Jacey Whittaker, pumpkin-growing entrepreneur, hoping to earn enough money selling pumpkins to buy a Homecoming dress - in case that special someone asks her to go with him. (My thought here was: “I don’t know…. A high school romance?” But I soon got engrossed in the story.)
The hero: Scott Pendleton, 18, is Jacey’s next door neighbor and her best friend. She secretly loves him, but doesn’t want to endanger their friendship by telling him. The author gives hints to the reader that Scott cares for Jacey in several ways, including opening the car door for her, and his numerous nicknames for her, including “sugar-britches.” The reader soon learns that Scott DOES love Jacey, but he’s been intentionally waiting until she turns sixteen to tell her.
Christian elements:
*I saw Ms. McClure named on the web as a famous Mormon, but my impression of this book is that it is fiction from an LDS author as opposed to LDS fiction. From what I can remember, the book only has generic comments Quotes from the book:
”God had made him somebody, and he still was.”
“Heaven has given you… ”
“Jacey thanked heaven for…”
*I did have one recurring issue with this story. I was frequently cringing at Jacey’s routine of intentionally wallowing in her (perceived) unrequited love. This type of behavior happens in various places. “Jacey knew if she didn’t try to find someone to love second best… she’d be miserable forever over not having Scott.” Soon after: “And just to make herself more emotionally miserable, she pulled Scott’s jersey on.” In fact, going over my highlights, just one page later, it says “Both Donny [Osmond] and Elvis gave Jacey the venues to either really wallow in melancholy or dream the happiest daydreams.”
I felt this to be a major flaw of the book, because nowhere does the heroine mature and learn not to behave like this. In fact, she gets her friends involved in it and they wallow with her! And I feel like Jacey’s self-pity was rewarded, because eventually, she gets her happily ever after. Heaven forbid she doesn’t get her next heart’s desire. Poor Scott Pendleton will get to live with some serious pity parties. (I’m going to interject here that I DID enjoy this book otherwise!)
I did some looking around, and found a really nice article about self-pity at https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-se.... I found it so well-expressed that I wanted to share bits of it below.
“When we indulge in self-pity, we have elevated our importance in our own eyes. Romans 12:3 says, ‘Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.’ We are thinking too highly of ourselves when we allow life’s hurts and injustices to dictate our emotional state.” (emphasis added)
A Biblical example: “A prime example of self-pity is found in an episode of King Ahab’s wicked life. Ahab coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth and wanted to buy it; when Naboth refused to sell, ‘Ahab went home, sullen and angry. . . . He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat’ (1 Kings 21:4). Imagine, a king pouting in his palace! So full of himself was the king that he was only made happy again when his wife, the evil Jezebel, set in motion a plan to have Naboth murdered (1 Kings 21:15–16). Self-pity is never good.”
What I liked:
*The romantic parts are very romantic and had a big emotional impact on me as a reader. Even the wallowing. I could physically feel it affecting my chest. This is rare in me, so I consider this to be impressive writing.
*The secondary characters are very likable and make wonderful friends to Jacey.
What I disliked:
*Primarily, the lack of character growth to correct (or at least improve on) the unhealthy self-pitying.
*I did find a couple of incorrect homophones, but not many.
---------------------
I recommend this book to fans of sweet contemporary romance. I will try another McClure book, as the story was sweet and engrossing. I have put The Highwayman of Tanglewood on my to-read list. Thank you Kathy for helping me find clean romances to read!
Love Me (2008) was independently published by Marcia Lynn McClure, and is a contemporary romance, mostly set in at an unnamed college in an unspecified location. I gave this book a try because my Goodreads friend (Kathy * Bookworm Nation) recommended it as a favorite clean (chaste) read. I borrowed this book via the Kindle Lending Library, which has morphed into today's Amazon Prime Reading.
Rating: 4 stars
The heroine: The book opens with sixteen-year-old Jacey Whittaker, pumpkin-growing entrepreneur, hoping to earn enough money selling pumpkins to buy a Homecoming dress - in case that special someone asks her to go with him. (My thought here was: “I don’t know…. A high school romance?” But I soon got engrossed in the story.)
The hero: Scott Pendleton, 18, is Jacey’s next door neighbor and her best friend. She secretly loves him, but doesn’t want to endanger their friendship by telling him. The author gives hints to the reader that Scott cares for Jacey in several ways, including opening the car door for her, and his numerous nicknames for her, including “sugar-britches.” The reader soon learns that Scott DOES love Jacey, but he’s been intentionally waiting until she turns sixteen to tell her.
Christian elements:
*I saw Ms. McClure named on the web as a famous Mormon, but my impression of this book is that it is fiction from an LDS author as opposed to LDS fiction. From what I can remember, the book only has generic comments Quotes from the book:
”God had made him somebody, and he still was.”
“Heaven has given you… ”
“Jacey thanked heaven for…”
*I did have one recurring issue with this story. I was frequently cringing at Jacey’s routine of intentionally wallowing in her (perceived) unrequited love. This type of behavior happens in various places. “Jacey knew if she didn’t try to find someone to love second best… she’d be miserable forever over not having Scott.” Soon after: “And just to make herself more emotionally miserable, she pulled Scott’s jersey on.” In fact, going over my highlights, just one page later, it says “Both Donny [Osmond] and Elvis gave Jacey the venues to either really wallow in melancholy or dream the happiest daydreams.”
I felt this to be a major flaw of the book, because nowhere does the heroine mature and learn not to behave like this. In fact, she gets her friends involved in it and they wallow with her! And I feel like Jacey’s self-pity was rewarded, because eventually, she gets her happily ever after. Heaven forbid she doesn’t get her next heart’s desire. Poor Scott Pendleton will get to live with some serious pity parties. (I’m going to interject here that I DID enjoy this book otherwise!)
I did some looking around, and found a really nice article about self-pity at https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-se.... I found it so well-expressed that I wanted to share bits of it below.
“When we indulge in self-pity, we have elevated our importance in our own eyes. Romans 12:3 says, ‘Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.’ We are thinking too highly of ourselves when we allow life’s hurts and injustices to dictate our emotional state.” (emphasis added)
A Biblical example: “A prime example of self-pity is found in an episode of King Ahab’s wicked life. Ahab coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth and wanted to buy it; when Naboth refused to sell, ‘Ahab went home, sullen and angry. . . . He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat’ (1 Kings 21:4). Imagine, a king pouting in his palace! So full of himself was the king that he was only made happy again when his wife, the evil Jezebel, set in motion a plan to have Naboth murdered (1 Kings 21:15–16). Self-pity is never good.”
What I liked:
*The romantic parts are very romantic and had a big emotional impact on me as a reader. Even the wallowing. I could physically feel it affecting my chest. This is rare in me, so I consider this to be impressive writing.
*The secondary characters are very likable and make wonderful friends to Jacey.
What I disliked:
*Primarily, the lack of character growth to correct (or at least improve on) the unhealthy self-pitying.
*I did find a couple of incorrect homophones, but not many.
---------------------
I recommend this book to fans of sweet contemporary romance. I will try another McClure book, as the story was sweet and engrossing. I have put The Highwayman of Tanglewood on my to-read list. Thank you Kathy for helping me find clean romances to read!
June 2, 2013
6/1/13 - Just as great the second time around.
10/5/12 -
Deep Sighhhhh...I've had this book on my kindle for a couple months and have been saving it for when I needed a gooood romance. And of course, Mrs. McClure always delivers for me. A great lost love story. And you throw in a celebrity twist...gold! I found it funny that all the oldie songs she mentioned are ones I just burned onto a CD for my mom's b-day last week. :o)
Only three things wrong: 1) Way too short 2) I lose sleep trying to finish it because no matter what time I start it I have to keep reading 3) All other romance novels seem paltry compared to hers. :o)
Moral Note: Some passionate kisses, and some innuendos. One cut off swear word and a couple of hecks.
10/5/12 -
Deep Sighhhhh...I've had this book on my kindle for a couple months and have been saving it for when I needed a gooood romance. And of course, Mrs. McClure always delivers for me. A great lost love story. And you throw in a celebrity twist...gold! I found it funny that all the oldie songs she mentioned are ones I just burned onto a CD for my mom's b-day last week. :o)
Only three things wrong: 1) Way too short 2) I lose sleep trying to finish it because no matter what time I start it I have to keep reading 3) All other romance novels seem paltry compared to hers. :o)
Moral Note: Some passionate kisses, and some innuendos. One cut off swear word and a couple of hecks.
August 29, 2011
Okay, NOW I've found a contemporary Marcia romance to rival her historical romances, which are my ultimate literary guilty pleasure. Love Me had me sighing and laughing and swooning. I'm such a sucker for Persuasion-type stories of first love found again, so this one had me hooked within a few pages. (What Marcia book doesn't???)
These books aren't classics by any means, but they more than satisfy Marcia's intended purpose--they put a smile on your face and let you swoon at that steamy clean kissing. The heroines are always a bit weak and too prone to tears, but I just cannot stop devouring these books!
These books aren't classics by any means, but they more than satisfy Marcia's intended purpose--they put a smile on your face and let you swoon at that steamy clean kissing. The heroines are always a bit weak and too prone to tears, but I just cannot stop devouring these books!
May 7, 2021
I've read this one before and it was exactly what my heart needed. This story reminds me of Taylor Swift's song "You Belong to Me" and both listening to that and reading this swoony, sweet, cheesy story put me on Cloud 9.
Jacey and Scott were childhood friends and neighbors and I love the glimpses of deep heart and soul recognition that they experienced while in high school. My heart was swooning so hard and then shattered. Sometimes second chances are better than anything and I loved the flirations. The secondary characters were amazing too.
McClure's story was the perfect escape and I loved it all over again.
Content: mild+ romance (kissing, passionate)
Jacey and Scott were childhood friends and neighbors and I love the glimpses of deep heart and soul recognition that they experienced while in high school. My heart was swooning so hard and then shattered. Sometimes second chances are better than anything and I loved the flirations. The secondary characters were amazing too.
McClure's story was the perfect escape and I loved it all over again.
Content: mild+ romance (kissing, passionate)
February 26, 2022
I genuinely adored this book. This was a mix of both “friends to lovers” and “second chance romance” tropes. This story took me for a whirl. I was almost, always poised to shed some tears because I was so invested.
While I generally liked all the characters, Harbine was one of my favorites due to his eccentricities and humor. He had me laughing more than any other character. But the one that completely stole my heart was Scott. He was charming and sweet. Literally everything he did was adorable and I loved all the grand gestures he employed to win back Jacey. (The meaning of the numbers on his football jerseys)😍🥰
Nora was an excellent friend to Jacey and I loved her for it. Jacey was also nice but she was so timid and insecure at I just want to smack her. I get that she was traumatized by her first heartbreak and I understood that she needed time to trust Scott again but she was a Debby Downer for a large portion of the book. Which was a little exasperating.
Anyway I loved the overall plot, the friendships between the MCs and side characters and I loved their love stories.
Content: Clean, Swoony kisses, Mild innuendo.
While I generally liked all the characters, Harbine was one of my favorites due to his eccentricities and humor. He had me laughing more than any other character. But the one that completely stole my heart was Scott. He was charming and sweet. Literally everything he did was adorable and I loved all the grand gestures he employed to win back Jacey. (The meaning of the numbers on his football jerseys)😍🥰
Nora was an excellent friend to Jacey and I loved her for it. Jacey was also nice but she was so timid and insecure at I just want to smack her. I get that she was traumatized by her first heartbreak and I understood that she needed time to trust Scott again but she was a Debby Downer for a large portion of the book. Which was a little exasperating.
Anyway I loved the overall plot, the friendships between the MCs and side characters and I loved their love stories.
Content: Clean, Swoony kisses, Mild innuendo.
January 19, 2012
4.5 Stars! Has anyone else read this book and felt like it ended too soon? I just loved loved loved the idea of this book. I loved the tention at the beginning, but it ended to quickly for me. First, I wanted "Jace"(silly girl name BTW) to be a little more angry with Scott. I mean for heavens sake he broke her heart! I think a little anger is healthy. Also, I really wanted for Scott to have to work a little harder. The night when he said "Let the games begin" I thought we were just scratching the surface not pretty much ending the book. I really did love the idea of the book and I loved their relationship. Also I am with my friend Kath, I loved what the author did with incorporating his jersey numbers as part of the story.
Read
December 16, 2017@ my future boyfriend; read this book. you see Scott? Don’t do anything he does and we’ll be good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2015
Rating: 4.5 stars. What a lovely, sweet story. I read it in one night as I do with most of Marcia Lynn McClures books - they are so hard to put down.
This was a simple story of young love - first love. It transported me back to my teen years. I felt what Jacey was feeling - her devotion towards Scott, her fear of rejection and her yearning for a love which she'd thought she'd lost.
Scott was adorable. How could Jacey forget a guy as sweet and affectionate as he was? She'd grown up with Scott. He was her neighbour and her best friend. As she blossomed into a teenager she loved him more than a friend but thought he did not return those feelings. Scott loved her too and they dated before he broke her heart by leaving her with no explanation. She was only seventeen and devastated. When he re-appeared in her life four years later, she had to learn to trust him all over again. He explained to her the reasons why he'd left and convinced her that he'd been just as distraught as she was over their break up. Her fear of his rejection was keeping her from realizing that Scott still loved her and wanted her back in his life.
There were some funny moments in this book. I liked Jacey's friends Nora (her room mate) and Carl Harbine (Nora's boyfriend). They supported Jacey whilst she cried over her long lost love and encouraged her to let him back into her life. I enjoyed their college's "Indentured Servant Charity Auctions", especially when it was Jacey's turn to be auctioned off.
As with all of Ms McClure's books, I was lost in those tender, romantic kissing scenes. This book helped me re-live my first love and made me wish my story had ended as well as Jacey's.
This was a simple story of young love - first love. It transported me back to my teen years. I felt what Jacey was feeling - her devotion towards Scott, her fear of rejection and her yearning for a love which she'd thought she'd lost.
Scott was adorable. How could Jacey forget a guy as sweet and affectionate as he was? She'd grown up with Scott. He was her neighbour and her best friend. As she blossomed into a teenager she loved him more than a friend but thought he did not return those feelings. Scott loved her too and they dated before he broke her heart by leaving her with no explanation. She was only seventeen and devastated. When he re-appeared in her life four years later, she had to learn to trust him all over again. He explained to her the reasons why he'd left and convinced her that he'd been just as distraught as she was over their break up. Her fear of his rejection was keeping her from realizing that Scott still loved her and wanted her back in his life.
There were some funny moments in this book. I liked Jacey's friends Nora (her room mate) and Carl Harbine (Nora's boyfriend). They supported Jacey whilst she cried over her long lost love and encouraged her to let him back into her life. I enjoyed their college's "Indentured Servant Charity Auctions", especially when it was Jacey's turn to be auctioned off.
As with all of Ms McClure's books, I was lost in those tender, romantic kissing scenes. This book helped me re-live my first love and made me wish my story had ended as well as Jacey's.
October 30, 2010
Another excellent book by Marcia about first loves. Jacey was 2 years younger than Scott, but that didn't stop her from first the friendship that developed from spending their growing years together as neighbors and then the love that developed later as she grew older. Scott had the same formula working for him but he thought he needed to let Jacey "grow up" a little before he told her of his love for her. When finally she turns 16 he confesses his love for her and she for him and they promise to love each other. Then Scott's mom leaves his father with the excuse that she resents his father because she missed out on life because she married too young. She convinces Scott to "let Jacey go" so she won't resent him later. He follows his deranged mother's counsil and both of them are miserable. 4 years later after Scott's football career is over because of an injury and he is in his late year of college, they meet up again. Scott tells her of his decision factors. Jacey has a hard time trusting him again with her heart and fights the desire to give their love another chance.
The apartment complex that they both live in does a "indentured servant" fundfaiser and Jacey builds herself up to the challenge of bidding on Scott to let him know she loves him, but when he is preordered she gets discouraged especially when he kisses the girl a final farewell. He then bits a huge amount on her and has her dress in a "sexy angels" costume for old times sake. They confess their love for each other and marry, just like their mutual roommates Harbine and Nora.
The apartment complex that they both live in does a "indentured servant" fundfaiser and Jacey builds herself up to the challenge of bidding on Scott to let him know she loves him, but when he is preordered she gets discouraged especially when he kisses the girl a final farewell. He then bits a huge amount on her and has her dress in a "sexy angels" costume for old times sake. They confess their love for each other and marry, just like their mutual roommates Harbine and Nora.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2022
It's that time of the year again to devour the deliciousness of Marcia Mcclure's journeys to destiny books. Okay, I'm a month early starting but who cares!
8/27/22
I love this story. I know I say that with each one, but IT'S TRUE! I love this love story because of its rawness. Sure it has a lot of the word "dude" in it but that is the character. As an author, I understand holding true to the character even if it's not "written to what publishers want" blah blah blah. Stay true to your writing and your characters, that's also why this story resonates with me.
Other years
I love it! That will be all of Marcia McClure's books.
Heartbreaking in the beginning and a fun ride to romance on the rest.
This is such a hard yet sweet love story. It's probably the biggest stress in my for a conflict. Harbine is awesome and wild in a way he purposed is the cream of the crop. The childhood love that Jacey has and rekindled is amazing. I get frustrated with her skepticism but it's also understandable. In the end, true love endures.
8/27/22
I love this story. I know I say that with each one, but IT'S TRUE! I love this love story because of its rawness. Sure it has a lot of the word "dude" in it but that is the character. As an author, I understand holding true to the character even if it's not "written to what publishers want" blah blah blah. Stay true to your writing and your characters, that's also why this story resonates with me.
Other years
I love it! That will be all of Marcia McClure's books.
Heartbreaking in the beginning and a fun ride to romance on the rest.
This is such a hard yet sweet love story. It's probably the biggest stress in my for a conflict. Harbine is awesome and wild in a way he purposed is the cream of the crop. The childhood love that Jacey has and rekindled is amazing. I get frustrated with her skepticism but it's also understandable. In the end, true love endures.
January 14, 2014
Aww I really like MLM Books. I really liked this one. I didn't feel like it was exactly like the other ones. Ok seriously how low of a self esteem can she have?!?! I hated all the negative self talk. I mean, dude (which was used way too much btw), he just macked you in front of everyone!!!
September 4, 2008
This is an e-book that my friend suggested. I loved this story pretty much from the first sentence to the last. For future reference- it was 148 pages.
February 9, 2009
I absolutely loved this book. Thanks to Alyssa for suggesting it to me. I brought back alot of good memories for me and my husband. It was very similar in how their relationship developed.
April 27, 2011
I found myself alternately rolling my eyes and gagging during this book--it was just a little too much for me.
February 24, 2017
Such a sweet read that makes you smile.
August 12, 2018
Great novella
I have always wished this one didnt end so abruptly and had a more book like ending. However, as Marcia's novellas go it is one of my favorites! I love the thought of first love not needing to be puppy love but the true thing!
I have always wished this one didnt end so abruptly and had a more book like ending. However, as Marcia's novellas go it is one of my favorites! I love the thought of first love not needing to be puppy love but the true thing!
December 28, 2023
This book will have you giggling like a school girl! The fluffy romance and heartbreak the twist and turns like any good book. and so much more!! I am NOT one to reread books. but this one will definitely forever be one I go back to
July 5, 2018
A fun book to read. I wish it was longer, but realky liked it.
September 18, 2022
3.5 stars
April 24, 2023
Awesome!
When I need a good book to just sit and relax with, I always choose a Marcia McClure book. I can sit, sip coffee laugh, cry and just escape into a really good story!
When I need a good book to just sit and relax with, I always choose a Marcia McClure book. I can sit, sip coffee laugh, cry and just escape into a really good story!
July 30, 2024
Oh, how lovely! I just love this escape. I love how many songs she weaves into this story. Perfect clean escape of happiness.
December 2, 2025
Good love story of falling for the boy next door and the challenges that went with it,
February 13, 2017
Give me a break.......I don't know how many times I thought this while reading this book. The main character is the biggest wimp I have ever read about in my life. She was clueless and pathetic. The book was pretty short, yet the only reason it was as long as it was is because we constantly hear about how much her heart ached for Scott.....over and over and over. Scott kisses her passionately, yet she doesn't know if he still cares for her. Um, duh? I really shouldn't have kept reading it. All Jacey did throughout the book was cry and pine for Scott, and this is 4 years after their breakup. I won't be reading another book of this author's, for fear that it will have the same type of main character and repeat itself over and over. The one saving grace was the character of Carl Harbine. He was funny and someone you would like to have around as a friend.
January 31, 2011
This is a short story set in a modern time period that I really enjoyed. I felt such a kinship to this book because my first love is my forever love and we too had a period of separation. I am very endeared to Jacey and Scott. The secondary character of Harbine is a great comic.
Amazon Product Description:
SHE HAD ALWAYS LOVED HIM...FOREVER IT SEEMED SHE HAD LOVED HIM. YET, WHEN SO MANY OTHERS LOVED HIM, TOO-WHAT HOPE DID SHE HAVE OF OWNING HIS LOVE IN RETURN? Jacey Whittaker couldn't remember a time when she hadn't loved Scott Pendleton-the boy next door. She couldn't remember a time when Scott hadn't been in her life-in her heart. Yet, Scott was every other girl's dream, too. How could Jacey possibly hope to win such a prize-the attention, the affections, the very heart of such a sought after young man? Yet, win him she did! He became the bliss of her youthful heart-at least for a time. Still, some dreams live fulfilled-and some are lost. Loss changes the very soul of a being. Jacey wondered if her soul would ever rebound. Certainly, she went on-lived a happy life-if not so full and perfectly happy a life as she once lived. Yet, she feared she would never recover-never get over Scott Pendleton-her first love. Until the day a man walked into her apartment-into her apartment and into her heart. Would this man be the one to heal her broken heart? Would this man be her one true love?
Amazon Product Description:
SHE HAD ALWAYS LOVED HIM...FOREVER IT SEEMED SHE HAD LOVED HIM. YET, WHEN SO MANY OTHERS LOVED HIM, TOO-WHAT HOPE DID SHE HAVE OF OWNING HIS LOVE IN RETURN? Jacey Whittaker couldn't remember a time when she hadn't loved Scott Pendleton-the boy next door. She couldn't remember a time when Scott hadn't been in her life-in her heart. Yet, Scott was every other girl's dream, too. How could Jacey possibly hope to win such a prize-the attention, the affections, the very heart of such a sought after young man? Yet, win him she did! He became the bliss of her youthful heart-at least for a time. Still, some dreams live fulfilled-and some are lost. Loss changes the very soul of a being. Jacey wondered if her soul would ever rebound. Certainly, she went on-lived a happy life-if not so full and perfectly happy a life as she once lived. Yet, she feared she would never recover-never get over Scott Pendleton-her first love. Until the day a man walked into her apartment-into her apartment and into her heart. Would this man be the one to heal her broken heart? Would this man be her one true love?
September 20, 2011
So far I have loved all of Marcia's novels but this one I did have some issues with. First I felt like Jacey wasn't described much. I had no picture of her in my mind. Second problem was I have always felt the male and female leading characters of Marcia's novels have always been strong but in this novel I felt like Jacey was weak. Scott comes in with yes a heartfelt and understandble apology but I still wanted her to make him work for it more. It seemed like things were rushed from the auction on. Could she really feel like trusting that much without some groveling, begging, pleading and many promises. I just wanted Jacey to be tougher and Scott to have to work at it more to earn her trust.
Still a fabulously fun read and that was my only issues with this cute and adorable read.
Still a fabulously fun read and that was my only issues with this cute and adorable read.
April 5, 2011
I love this story!!! It has conflict and, just everything about it was so adorably done! I even enjoyed the side characters a lot, especially her roommate's boyfriend, Harbine - he was so much fun and made me chuckle! I also liked that you didn't get much of the hero's thoughts to give away what his feelings or plans were, so I was able to feel anxious right along with the heroine. Probably one of the cutest scenes for me was when Scott was angry/frustrated with Jacey and he started to walk off and Harbine said something to the effect of that he was just kidding about that he would have kissed him, and Scott flashed him the peace sign to show he was still cool with him. I found that SO adorable!!
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